collect
12 synonyms and 0 antonyms for collect, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To gather things together, often systematically.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use collect
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin colligere, "to gather together", from com- ("together") and legere ("to gather").
Full origin of collect →Frequently asked questions
What does “collect” mean?
The word “collect” means to gather things together, often systematically. In plain terms, to bring things or people together, or to receive money that is due.
How do you pronounce “collect”?
“Collect” is pronounced kuh-LEHKT (/kəˈlɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “collect” in a sentence?
Here is “collect” used in a sentence: “She collects vintage postcards from flea markets.”
What is another word for “collect”?
Words with a similar meaning to “collect” include gather up, secure, gather, mass, merge and coalesce.
What part of speech is “collect”?
“Collect” is a verb.
Where does the word “collect” come from?
The word “collect” comes from Latin. From Latin colligere, "to gather together", from com- ("together") and legere ("to gather").
Is “collect” a common word?
“Collect” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “collect” have?
“Collect” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to gather things together, often systematically.
What is the difference between collect and gather?
Both mean to bring things together, but collect usually suggests doing so systematically or selectively, as with stamps or data. Gather is more general and can describe simply bringing scattered things or people into one place.
Is it correct to say 'collect someone'?
Yes. In British English especially, collect commonly means to go and pick someone or something up — for example, 'I'll collect the kids from school.' American English speakers more often say 'pick up' in this context.
What is the difference between collect and accumulate?
Collect normally implies a deliberate, organised effort to bring things together. Accumulate suggests a gradual build-up over time that can happen with or without intention — dust accumulates on its own, but a person collects coins.